Generally, dental emergencies call for quick thinking and the care of an experienced emergency dentist. It’s not always easy to determine whether you’re dealing with a true dental emergency that requires immediate care or if the issues can wait for an appointment. The loss of a permanent/adult tooth is NOT one of these instances.
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, decisive action is critical to relieve pain, ward off infection, and, hopefully, save the natural tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth? What to Do Until You See a Dentist
There is no more textbook case of a dental emergency than the loss of an adult tooth. If you or someone you care about loses a permanent tooth, here are a few tips to ensure you get the help you need and maximize your chances of a positive outcome:
- Breathe! Keeping calm in these tense moments is crucial to avoiding complications.
- In the meantime, recover the tooth and gently rinse it without scrubbing or touching the root.
- If possible, put the tooth back into the empty socket. If this is not possible, place it in milk or saliva to prevent it from drying out.
- Call your Knoxville emergency dentist ASAP! The best shot at saving your natural tooth is to get to the dentist within the first hour.
- Again... stay calm!
Your Emergency Dentist in Knoxville, TN
If you’re in Knoxville and need urgent care for a knocked-out adult tooth (or any other dental emergency), contact Dr. Dyron Holt and the Dental Co. of Knoxville team at (865) 722-0239. Our caring, compassionate team is here to help protect when you need it most!